This week we discussed what it looks like to live with a sense of being part of a great adventure. Sometimes that definition requires us to look at things with a different perspective or possibly even ‘get out of the boat’ that we have built for safe travel in life and truly experience what the life adventure is all about.

Eldredge defines the three types of adventure that are available to men: Casual, Crucial and Critical. Here are the definitions that resulted from the meeting:

Casual – Think of this as simply an adrenaline rush. Skydiving, Deep Sea Fishing, Flying, Surfing, Bungee Jumping, Hunting, etc. Each of these things contains a certain element of risk that is appealing to guys. ISometimes men avoid doing these kinds of things because they aren’t sure they “have what it takes” to be successful. If for no other reason, it is important to engage in these kinds of activities in order to keep you feeling “alive” and prove to yourself that you can.

Crucial – This kind of adventure also is very risky. Only this time, other people are counting on you to be successful Being the head of a household, having employees, being the chairman of an important committee, the leader of an important project at work, etc. It is through these adventures that we begin to get a taste of having a purpose greater than ourselves. Still, in the Crucial Adventure, we have a sense that we can handle it. Whatever happens whatever twists and turns we are forced to navigate, we will find a way to handle it. It takes bravery, and confidence, to be sure. But, we have learned through life experience that we will be up to whatever challenge comes our way.

Critical – This is the most important thing for guys to feel a part of. Something that is unbeleivebly important, but there is simply no way we can do it on our own. It is simply way bigger than we are. If there is to be success, we need a miracle. Or, we might not ever live long enough to see the results of our effort. Maybe the success comes after we are gone. Still, we feel an overwhelming desire to give it all we have…to do our very best. Some examples of this are: Raising our children. In most cases, we will be long gone before the final chapters of our kids lives are written. We won’t know if our parenting job was successful. Still, we give it all we have to give. Serving in the military is another example. One person cannot defend the United States all by themselves. Survival depends on more than just you. And, the video talked about building the kingdom of God. Sacrificing everything to follow him in whatever work he has called you to do. The Machine Gun Preacher is a good example of what that looks like.

John contends that most affairs, addictions, etc. are the result of men being bored with life and looking for adventure. No one in our group disagreed. Adventure is a powerful motivator for men as it is etched deeply in each of our hearts.

We watched one of the video’s from a series called “Wild At Heart” by John Eldridge. The book is purposed for the reader to discover the secret of a man’s soul. John Eldridge says this in a synopsis of his book and his belief on Men and their faith:

” ‘God designed men to be dangerous,’ says John Eldredge. ‘Simply look at the dreams and desires written in the heart of every boy: To be a hero, to be a warrior, to live a life of adventure and risk. Sadly, most men abandon those dreams and desires-aided by a Christianity that feels like nothing more than pressure to be a “nice guy.” It is no wonder that many men avoid church, and those who go are often passive and bored to death.’ “

John says that a man should be as God has design him to be – dangerous, passionate, alive, and free. The video challenged us all to think about the things that cause us to ‘come alive’. The things that make a man feel adventure. Many of us decided that watching ESPN and playing golf every weekend wasn’t God’s answer to our adventure-less questions.

As men we must always search for the adventure. What God has written on our hearts may be exactly what He has called us to do. Never settle. Seek adventure. Redefine Your Impossible.

Some of this week’s action items for the guys were:

I need to get my son off the video games and introduce my son to some of life’s casual adventures.

I don’t think I really do anything adventurous. I tend to play it safe, which..is pretty boring.

I need to spend the week thinking about my life. Am I living the life of my choosing? Or, am I living the life that was given/scripted to me by someone else. My dad told me I should be in sales. So, I’m in sales. Truthfully, I really don’t even like it. I should have been a whitewater rafting instructor, or scuba instructor. I love teaching people how to do those two things.

Coming to HolySmokes is an adventure for me. I usually avoid these kinds of things, cuz some of my buddies give me a pretty hard time. I never know what is going to happen here, but I am always glad I came.

Maybe the most adventurous thing I could do this week is go shopping with my wife. She loves it. I hate it. This is going to sound strange, but letting her know that shopping with her is more important to me than playing golf, might be the bravest move of all.

2 thoughts on “An Adventure To Live”

We had a good discussion at the bucket this week. We covered everything from living adventurously at work to going on a personal adventure with our wives and children. Another beautiful evening at the beach and a great discussion with some really insightful guys.